Mental health, homelessness and exposure

Patients with mental illness are particularly vulnerable during extreme heat events this summer for a number of biopsychosocial reasons. Social conditions, medications and other health conditions can all contribute to the increased risk for heat-related illness.

One population with a high incidence of mental illness and medical comorbidities is the homeless community. Because they are less likely to have access to air conditioned spaces and are more likely to be spending time outdoors, problems with exposure can be exacerbated.